2 Things You Should be Looking for in Leaders

The Bricklayer’s Story: A man saw three bricklayers on a scaffold, one crouched, one half-standing and one standing tall, working very hard and fast. He walked over and decided to ask them what they were doing.

Approaching the first bricklayer, he asked the question, “What are you doing?” to which the bricklayer replied, “I’m a bricklayer. I’m working hard laying bricks to feed my family.”

He asked the second man the same question. The second bricklayer, responded, “I’m a builder. I’m building a wall.”

But the third brick layer, the most productive of the three and the future leader of the group, when asked the question, “What are you doing?” replied with proudly, “I’m a cathedral builder. I’m building a great cathedral for families and communities to come together.”

It’s often said in athletics that the best teams are “player led”. In the world of business, titles (which can often be misleading) make this more difficult to attain. They don't always reveal the true leaders within a team. Leadership isn't about the words on a business card or the badges on a uniform; it's about choices and actions. It's about individuals who consciously choose to step into the role of a leader, not because they were forced, but because they understand the significance of influencing and shaping their team's culture. So how do you identify these people in your organization?

Having leaders within your team is not just a matter of convenience or tradition; it's a strategic advantage that can separate your team from the pack. Leaders bring value far beyond their titles, acting as catalysts for positive change, sources of inspiration, and champions of a unified vision. They provide guidance in times of uncertainty, foster a culture of accountability, and help others reach their full potential. In your organization, you want to look for people with two key attributes; the mindset and the motivation to lead.

1. Motivation to Lead

Leadership is not a mantle bestowed upon the most qualified person, nor is it a title that can be imposed. You can have individuals with immense qualifications who have no desire to lead. No matter how many titles you give them, you simply cannot force them into leadership roles. In fact, trying to do so can be detrimental to the culture of your group or organization. Look for people who embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly of leadership responsibilities. These people have the right blend of personality, quantity and quality of past leadership experiences (it’s not surprise that over 90% of Fortune 500 CEO’s are former athletes), values, and self-efficacy. This can be tricky as some of these traits may need to be developed, but it’s a great starting point.

2. Mindset

Leaders are different from teammates or followers. They see beyond the day-to-day tasks and immediate results. Think of it like a farmer compared to the customer at a vegetable stand. Teammates, or the customers in this analogy, often focus on what's readily available, the immediate results, or the produce on display.

Leaders, on the other hand, focus on cultivating a culture. They understand that the seeds they plant today will yield results tomorrow. They are not just concerned with the vegetables in front of them but with the entire farm and the sustainability of the process. Their focus lies in influencing others positively, setting the tone for the team, and nurturing an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.

The Ongoing Process

Leadership is an ongoing process, a journey, rather than a destination. There is always work to be done, improvements to make, and lessons to learn. True leaders recognize that they must continuously work on their leadership skills, adapt to changing circumstances, and be willing to mentor and develop others into leaders.

So when you’re looking to identify the leaders of your team, remember, titles may offer recognition and authority, but they don't automatically make someone a leader. Leadership is a choice, one that requires a deep understanding of the responsibilities it entails. Leaders distinguish themselves by their focus on culture, their ability to influence others, and their commitment to ongoing growth and development. So, the next time you ponder what makes a leader, remember that it's not about titles; it's about choices and actions.